Bridget Williams | Potter

I studied Fine Art at Liverpool Polytechnic 1977-80. After learning to throw at evening classes I joined North Street Potters collective in London. The following years were like an informal apprenticeship where I produced my own work while learning to prepare and reclaim clay, pack and fire kilns and mix glazes and slips. In 1989 I became resident potter at Prema Art Centre in Uley, Glos. After which I set up my present workshop near Stroud in 1991 and continue to teach pottery part-time.

Most of my work is thrown on the wheel using red earthenware clay to make pots for everyday use. Shapes range from large bowls and platters to teapots, jugs, mugs and egg cups. I use the pots as a canvas to which I apply coloured slips under a transparent glaze and fire to 1120. Designs evolve over the years, the constant colour being a cobalt blue slip in varying intensities, onto which I might paint, slip trail, sponge, draw or add imagery by using paper stencils or latex resist.